Chronic stress is a modern epidemic that slows metabolism, increases chronic inflammation and abnormal immunity. High levels of stress hormones can create digestive problems, porous bowel syndrome, increased appetite, weight gain, thyroid disorders and brain degeneration. Adaptogenic plants are essential to adapt effectively to the chronic stress of the 21st century.

Adaptogenic plants and your response to stress

One of the key elements that adaptogenic herbs offer, is their abilities to lower stress hormone levels and stabilize them. Stress hormones like cortisol, when too high, can drain the precursors of major hormones like testosterone, progesterone and estrogen.

With less raw materials than normal, the body becomes deficient in sex hormones. This condition rapidly accelerates the aging process and makes an individual's life miserable.

The body's ability to adapt effectively to stress is the hallmark of good health. It is possible to help our bodies modulate the stress response and adapt effectively. These substances are called adaptogens for their remarkable ability to enhance adaptation to stress.

Panex ginseng

Ginseng has remarkable adaptive qualities that benefit individuals regardless of the phase of life or stressors they encounter. Research has shown that ginseng is able to stabilize blood sugar levels by improving fatty acid metabolism, which reduces stress on the adrenal glands and improves stamina, energy and physical performance. The compounds in ginseng also improve oxygenation in the body and helps improve the immune system.

Ashwagandha

This exotic plant has powerful antioxidant properties that protect the brain and the nervous system. In one study, animals exposed to chronic stress had 85 percent of their cells showing signs of chronic degeneration. When ashwagandha was given to another group of chronically stressed animals, the number of damaged cells dropped by 80 percent.

In the largest human clinical study using ashwagandha, this herb showed that it could reduce cortisol levels by 26 percent. Chronically high cortisol increases the inflammatory and degenerative process in the body. In addition, participants had lower fasting blood sugar levels and improved lipid profiles.

This plant has shown in studies a strong anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect. The'ashwagandha has been shown to promote the regeneration and reconstruction of nerve cells and synapses. This suggests that ashwagandha may help a degenerating nervous system. This makes it an effective defense against dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

The basil

Basil is rich in aromatic essential oils that have powerful effects on the body. These phytonutrient-rich oils include ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, caryophyllene and eugenol, among others. These oils have a great scent that naturally stimulates the mood and spirit. Eugenol has been shown in studies to combat stress and improve mental clarity.

Studies have shown that basil helps prevent the rapid rise in blood cortisol levels in response to both chronic and acute stress. It also reduces histamine accumulation and normalizes blood sugar levels. It modulates the HPA pathway, increases physical endurance while modulating the immune system and improves the resistance of the gut membrane.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola contains a number of powerful antioxidants and flavonoid glycosides. The unique range of phytonutrients in rhodiola allows it to adapt to stressful environmental conditions, and it helps modulate our ability to withstand everyday stresses.

Rhodiola is known to help people calm their emotions and stimulate cognitive processes, which improve memory and creative thinking. Several studies have shown that Rhodiola improves associative thinking, audiovisual perception speed, and the ability to perform complex calculations. Researchers also found that it significantly reduced stress-induced fatigue after just two weeks of regular use.